Organizational Setting
The Amazon region, with its unparalleled biodiversity and environmental significance, holds immense potential for driving innovation through nature-based solutions (NBS). The proposed Forest Lab in Belรฉm, Parรก, Brazil, will serve as a collaborative and transformative space to foster sustainable development, promote research, and engage diverse stakeholders in addressing environmental and societal challenges.
This assignment aims to establish the foundational structure for a new Forest Lab in the Amazon Region, providing a blueprint for its design, development, and implementation while aligning with global sustainability objectives, such as the UN SDGs and the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
Reporting Lines
The incumbent reports to the Assistant Representative in FAO Brazil โ Programme.
Technical Focus
Develop technical inputs for the design of the foundational structure of a conceptual Forest Lab in Belรฉm, PA, Brazil, and for its implementation. This lab will foster innovation, collaboration, and the application of nature-based solutions to address environmental and societal challenges, particularly those relevant to the Amazon region.
Tasks and Responsibilities
โข Evaluate the current state of the forest and the NBS innovation ecosystem in Brazil, with a focus on the Amazon Region.
โข Assist in the identification, mapping, and establishment of connections with potential stakeholders, including local communities, researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and private sector entities.
โข Identify opportunities and challenges for implementing a Forest Lab.
โข Create a conceptual framework and a business model tailored to a Forest Lab.
โข Draft a comprehensive design for a Forest Lab, encompassing physical and digital infrastructure requirements.
โข Propose a governance structure, operational framework, and strategies for stakeholder partnerships.
โข Develop a financial plan, including the identification of potential funding sources.
โข Outline a step-by-step roadmap for a Forest Labโs development and rollout.
โข Provide recommendations for training programs and initiatives to strengthen local expertise.
โข Establish measurable outcomes and indicators to track the success and impact of a Forest Lab.
โข Identify and systematize key communication elements into reports and/or other diffusion materials proposals for promoting a Forest Lab.
โข Develop a phased communication strategy aligned with the lead-up to COP30.
โข Offer recommendations for sustaining engagement with key stakeholders.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข Advanced degree in agriculture, environmental sciences, sustainable development, innovation, or a related field.
โข At least 2 years of proved experience in innovation consultancy.
โข Working knowledge (level C) of English and Portuguese
โข Brazilian nationality or resident of the country with valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
โข Results Focus
โข Teamwork
โข Communication
โข Building Effective Relationships
โข Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข Excellent project management and report-writing skills.
โข Demonstrated knowledge of the Amazon region and its innovation ecosystems, including prior engagement with key stakeholders
โข Proven track record in designing and implementing innovation environments and ecosystems.
โข Strong understanding of nature-based solutions and their applications.
โข Expertise in stakeholder engagement, participatory approaches, and capacity-building initiatives.